Luminous sign



Nov. 22, 1938.

JACKSON LUMINOUS SIGN Filed Aug. 27, 1957 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 22, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

This invention relates to signs and more particularly to signs for displaying on houses the identifying number.

The principal object of the invention resides in the provision of a luminous numbering device in which the units or numerals are individually removable and replaceable in a suitable frame and are disposed on either side of a luminous plate in order that the numbers may be visible at night as well as in the day time.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for anchoring the device in the ground or paving in front of the house and in such position that it might be viewed from both sides by pedestrians or the occupants of vehicles apiproaching the house at right angles along the thoroughfare.

Broadly, the invention seeks to provide a means to avoid the annoyance usually present when seeking a house number in the dark and is a decided aid to those delivering merchandise at night, physicians, mail carriers and others.

With the foregoing objects as paramount, the invention has particular reference to its salient features of construction and arrangement of parts which will become manifest as the description proceeds, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, whereinz Figure 1 is a front elevation of the device constructed according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a section through Figure 1 on lines Figure 3 is a perspective view of a stenciled numeral or numbering unit.

Figure 4 is a similar stencil showing a letter.

Figure 5 is a perspective View of the frame receiving the luminous plate and stenciled units.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary detail view in perspective showing one form of anchoring means.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary detail view in perspective of a modified form of anchoring, and Figure 8 is a fragmentary View in vertical section of the light reflecting means.

Continuing with a more detailed description of the drawing, reference is primarily made to Figure 5 showing the frame and which consists of parallel top and bottom members I which are substantially U-shaped in transverse cross section and are receivable at their ends by similarly shaped end members 2 to produce a substantially rectangular frame. The series of interconnecting and relatively parallel dividing strips 3 connect the top and bottom members l together as shown.

For the luminous backing to disclose the numerals at night, a reiiecting surface is provided through the medium of glass plates 4. The surface of each of these plates is pebbled to provide an infinite number of reflecting surfaces after they have been coated with silver 4a as shown in Figure 8. The irregularly reflecting surface thus provided reflects light at a Variety of angles however distant the light might be.

On either side of the reflecting surfaces are disposed the stencils 5 from which are cut the letters or numerals 6. These stencils are selectively placed in the sections provided in the frame of the device and separated by the strips 3 therein. When it is desired to change the number, it is simply necessary to remove top member of the frame after removing the pins 1.

The frame is mounted by means of the angle iron legs or supports 8 which extend along the ends of the frame as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The lower extremities of these legs are provided with anchor means in the form of a prong 9 extending outward in the manner shown in Figure 6. When driven into the earth, these prongs prevent ready removal ,of the device from its proper location in the front of a house.

A modified form of anchoring means is shown in Figure '7 and is employed preferably when a single leg or support I0 is used. The anchor consists of a disc Il welded or otherwise suitably secured to the leg Ill. the anchor placed therein after which the hole is filled. It is apparent, therefore, that it becomes difficult to draw the leg out of the earth. This form of anchor may likewise be used in the event it is desired to mount the numbering device in concrete.

From the foregoing it is apparent that a numbering device is provided which is visible at all times to anyone seeking the identification of a house and is especially useful at night.

Manifestly, the construction as shown and described is capable of some modification and such modification as may be construed within the scope and meaning of the appended claims is also considered to be within the spirit and intent of the invention.

What is claimed is:-

1. As a new article of manufacture, a house number-sign comprising a frame composed of parallel channeled end pieces and analogously formed top and bottom members dividing strips extending from one of said members. to the other, reflectors having pebbled and mirrored surfaces disposed in said frame, stenciled plates arranged on said reflectors and between said dividing A hole is dug and plates having characters stenciled therein disposed over the surfaces of said reflectors, means for dividing said plates in said frame, means supporting said frame and means for anchoring said supporting means.

RUTH JACKSON. 

